Alejandro Scopelli Biography: Early Life, Career, And Legacy

Alejandro Scopelli was a legendary football player and coach who made a significant impact on the sport during his lifetime. Born on May 12, 1908, in La Plata, Argentina, Scopelli began his career with Estudiantes de La Plata, where he became part of the legendary side nicknamed “Los Profesores.” In 1931, he scored 31 goals for the team but was beaten to the golden boot by teammate Alberto Zozaya’s 33.

Scopelli’s talent on the field earned him a move to Italy in 1933, where he played for Roma, Genoa, and Napoli. He was a key player for the Italian national team, and he represented Argentina at the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup. Scopelli’s playing career spanned 16 years, during which he won several titles and awards, including the Serie A title with Roma in the 1941-42 season.

After retiring from playing, Scopelli transitioned to coaching, where he continued to make a significant impact. He coached several teams, including Napoli, Roma, and Barcelona, among others. Scopelli’s coaching style was known to be innovative and effective, and he was credited with developing several players who went on to become stars in their own right.

Key Takeaways

Alejandro Scopelli was a legendary football player and coach who made a significant impact on the sport during his lifetime.
He began his career with Estudiantes de La Plata and played for several Italian teams, including Roma, Genoa, and Napoli.
Scopelli’s coaching style was known to be innovative and effective, and he was credited with developing several players who went on to become stars in their own right.

Early Life and Education

Alejandro Scopelli Casanova was born on May 12, 1908, in La Plata, Argentina. He was the son of Italian immigrants who had settled in Argentina. Scopelli grew up in a working-class family and was the youngest of six siblings. His father was a carpenter, and his mother was a homemaker.

Scopelli began playing football at a young age, and his talent was quickly recognized. He played for local clubs in La Plata before joining Estudiantes de La Plata in 1928. He spent three seasons with Estudiantes before joining Boca Juniors in 1931.

Scopelli did not receive a formal education, as he focused on his football career from a young age. However, he was known for his intelligence and tactical awareness on the pitch. He was a student of the game and spent countless hours studying his opponents and analyzing their weaknesses.

Despite not having a formal education, Scopelli was a well-read individual and had a passion for literature. He was known to carry books with him on team trips and would often engage in intellectual discussions with his teammates.

Overall, Scopelli’s early life was characterized by his love for football and his dedication to the sport. He was a talented player who worked hard to achieve success, and his passion for the game would continue throughout his life.

Career as a Football Player

Club Career

Alejandro Scopelli began his club career playing for Estudiantes de La Plata in 1927. He played for the club until 1934, winning the Argentine Primera División in 1931 and 1932. In 1934, he moved to Italy to play for AS Roma, where he spent two seasons before moving to Napoli. He played for Napoli for six seasons, scoring 66 goals in 200 appearances. In 1942, he returned to Argentina to play for Huracán, where he played until his retirement in 1946.

International Career

Scopelli made his debut for the Argentina national team in 1929 and played for the team until 1941. He was part of the Argentina squad that won the 1930 FIFA World Cup, where he played in all four matches and scored one goal. In total, he scored 17 goals in 24 appearances for Argentina. Scopelli also played for the Italy national team on one occasion, in a friendly match against Hungary in 1938.

During his career, Scopelli was known for his speed, technique, and goal-scoring ability. He was a versatile player who could play as a forward, winger, or attacking midfielder. After retiring from playing, Scopelli went on to have a successful career as a coach, managing several clubs in Argentina, Italy, and Spain.

Transition to Coaching

After retiring from playing football, Alejandro Scopelli transitioned into coaching. He started his coaching career in 1942, managing Club Atlético Huracán.

Club Coaching Career

Scopelli’s first coaching job was with Club Atlético Huracán, where he stayed until 1944. He then moved to Club Atlético Lanús, where he coached for two years from 1945 to 1947. During his time at Lanús, the team finished in second place in the Primera División in 1946.

In 1948, Scopelli moved to Italy to coach AS Roma. He led the team to a second-place finish in the Serie A in his first season. However, he was fired the following year after a poor start to the season.

After leaving Roma, Scopelli returned to Argentina to coach Club Atlético River Plate from 1950 to 1951. He then coached Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield from 1951 to 1952.

In 1953, Scopelli moved to Chile to coach Club Universidad de Chile. He led the team to three consecutive league titles from 1959 to 1961. He also coached the Chilean national team from 1955 to 1956.

National Team Coaching Career

In addition to coaching club teams, Scopelli also had a career coaching national teams. He coached the Chilean national team from 1955 to 1956. He also coached the Peruvian national team from 1963 to 1964.

During his time coaching national teams, Scopelli led Chile to the 1956 South American Championship. He also led Peru to a third-place finish in the 1963 South American Championship.

Overall, Alejandro Scopelli had a successful coaching career, both at the club and national team level.

Legacy and Influence

Alejandro Scopelli is considered as one of the greatest footballers of his time and his legacy continues to inspire many young footballers. He was an integral part of the Argentine team that won the 1930 FIFA World Cup, and his contribution to the team’s success was immense. Scopelli’s name is etched in the history books as one of the key players who helped Argentina win the inaugural World Cup.

Scopelli’s influence on the game can still be felt today, and his playing style has been compared to that of Lionel Messi. He was known for his dribbling skills, speed, and ability to score goals from difficult angles. Many football experts believe that Scopelli was ahead of his time, and his playing style was revolutionary.

Scopelli’s success as a player continued even after he retired from the game. He went on to become a successful coach, and his teams achieved great success in various tournaments. Scopelli’s coaching style was based on his playing philosophy, and he believed in attacking football that focused on scoring goals.

In Argentina, Scopelli is remembered as a legend of the game, and his name is synonymous with football. He is considered as one of the pioneers of Argentine football, and his contribution to the game will always be remembered. Scopelli’s legacy continues to inspire many young footballers, and his name will always be associated with the beautiful game.

Personal Life

Alejandro Scopelli was born on May 12, 1908, in La Plata, Argentina. He was married to Carmen Scopelli, and they had two children together, a son named Hugo and a daughter named Susana.

Scopelli was known for his love of music and was a talented pianist. He often played the piano for his family and friends, and he even composed his own music. Scopelli was also known for his love of food and wine, and he enjoyed cooking for his family and guests.

In addition to his love of music and food, Scopelli was also a devout Catholic. He attended church regularly and was known for his charitable work in the community. He often donated money to local charities and helped organize fundraisers for those in need.

Despite his success on the football field, Scopelli remained a humble and down-to-earth person. He was known for his kindness and generosity, and he always took the time to help others.

Death and Posthumous Recognition

Scopelli passed away on October 23, 1987, in Mexico City, at the age of 79. He was buried in La Plata, Argentina.

After his death, Scopelli’s legacy lived on in the world of football. In 2004, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) named him as one of the 100 greatest footballers in Argentine history. He was also included in the Boca Juniors’ Hall of Fame in 2012, recognizing his contributions to the club during his time as a player and coach.

Scopelli’s impact on football extended beyond his playing and coaching career. He was known for his innovative tactics and strategic thinking, which influenced generations of coaches and players. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of footballers, both in Argentina and around the world.

In recognition of his contributions to the sport, the Alejandro Scopelli Trophy is awarded annually to the best player in the Argentine Primera División. The trophy was first awarded in 2012, and has since become a prestigious honor in Argentine football.

Overall, Scopelli’s life and career were marked by excellence and dedication to the sport he loved. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of football, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players and coaches in the history of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Alejandro Scopelli born?

Alejandro Scopelli was born on May 12, 1908.

What was Alejandro Scopelli’s profession?

Alejandro Scopelli was a professional football player and coach.

What teams did Alejandro Scopelli play for?

During his career, Alejandro Scopelli played for several football clubs, including Boca Juniors, Huracán, and Lazio.

Which national teams did Alejandro Scopelli coach?

Alejandro Scopelli coached the Argentina national football team and led them to win the 1957 South American Championship.

What were some of Alejandro Scopelli’s notable achievements?

Alejandro Scopelli was part of the Argentina national football team that won the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup. He also won the 1934 Italian Serie A title with Lazio as a player and the 1957 South American Championship as a coach.